Canadian Transformers News and Discussion Forum

[Bruticus82]

Here is a post from another thread about light, the writer works in a museum:

Originally Posted by Omegatron
Please forgive a rather technical answer but my job is to keep museum artifacts safe, including from harmful exposure to light. When it comes to light damage two things matter, the level of the light (brightness) and the UV content. Light levels are measured in Lux. Natural sunlight can easily be a few thousand Lux. This will fade and damage paint very quickly. Its not that reflected sunlight won’t damage a Transformer its just that the Lux levels will be lower and the damage much less severe. If anyone’s interested museums try to limit Lux levels to 300 or less. At these levels damage is very slow and often unnoticeable. I’m not suggesting that anyone go out and buy a Lux meter, though they do exisit and you can if you want, just keeping your collection in relatively low light and definitely out of direct sunlight will do. The only way to completely avoid damage is to keep your toys in the dark.

UV is a bit trickier. In this case it is the wavelength that matters. UV film works by blocking the wavelength that is damaging. It’s quite effective although it does break down over time. UV film does not block visible light so don’t assume that you can place a display case coated in UV film in direct sunlight. UV is absorbed and changes paint at a chemical level over time. Certain paints are more susceptible than others which is why some toys fade and other don’t. Again UV levels in reflected light are lower than direct sunlight and a relatively low level of light in a room will also mean that the UV levels are low as well. It’s also important to remember that compact fluorescent lights also emit UV so a brightly lit room with no windows can still damage your collection. Basically keep your collection out of direct light, keep the light levels low and turn the lights out when you leave. If you plan to keep a toy for a few years and then sell it, keep it in a box.

Thanks and sorry for the lecture.